"We are very fortunate to have someone like Elise on our team. She brings with her a solid marketing and property management background from ABC Family Channel, Fox Kids Network and Saban," said Al Ovadia, executive vice president of Sony Pictures Consumer Products. "Her experience in the development and execution of marketing initiatives will be an invaluable component to our team's success."

Barkan was formerly account executive for Tunis Incentive, where she was responsible for developing new business and creating promotional programs for such clients as Sports Illustrated and Disney. Prior to joining Tunis Incentive, she was director of creative synergy and special projects at ABC Family Channel.

In her new post, Barkan will be responsible for developing and implementing the licensing-related global marketing programs for such theatrical properties as "Bewitched" starring Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell, scheduled for Summer 2005 and "Zathura," a 2005 Holiday release. She will also act as liaison between the various Sony Pictures Consumer Products divisions, including sales, retail development and marketing (both domestically and internationally), Sony's theatrical department, the films' producers and Sony Pictures Television.